(Commonwealth_ GT Wings, in partnership with Isle of Wight-based shipowner and shareholder Carisbrooke Shipping, has successfully secured £187,000 ($243,000) in funding aimed at developing self-learning trim optimization for its innovative wing propulsion system, known as AirWing. This financial backing marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency of wind-assisted shipping technologies, which have gained increasing attention for their potential to reduce emissions in the maritime industry.
The University of Bath has joined the project as a partner, contributing academic expertise to the development of this cutting-edge technology. GT Wings has previously benefited from more than £4 million in government funding through earlier rounds aimed at supporting the development, construction, testing, and installation of a prototype sail on a Carisbrooke vessel. This ongoing investment illustrates the UK government‘s commitment to advancing sustainable shipping solutions and fostering innovation within the sector.
The new funding will support a five-month project that aims to explore the technical and economic viability of incorporating self-learning control systems and artificial intelligence (AI) into the AirWing technology. George Thompson, the chief executive of GT Wings, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “By integrating artificial intelligence and self-learning capabilities into our AirWing technology, we can deliver even greater environmental and economic benefits to shipowners and operators worldwide.” This approach not only aims to optimize the performance of the propulsion system but also to enhance the overall efficiency of maritime operations.
In addition to GT Wings, BAR Technologies has also made strides in the wind propulsion sector. Along with shareholder and backer Union Maritime, BAR Technologies secured over £466,000 to develop its optimization system. This system provides real-time analytics on fuel consumption, engine performance, and route efficiency for vessels equipped with its WindWing technology. Such advancements are crucial in helping ship operators make informed decisions, thereby improving their environmental performance and operational costs.
Another significant player in the UK’s maritime innovation landscape is Smart Green Shipping. The company recently announced a £1 million investment from the UK-based energy firm Drax for the installation of a wind system on a bulk carrier. This investment will support the development of SmartRoute, a pioneering routing and performance software designed to enhance the efficiency of vessels utilizing wind propulsion. SmartRoute is touted as an industry-first digital system co-created with the University of Southampton, merging AI with high-performance computing to analyze weather data and optimize routes for ships equipped to harness wind power.
The cumulative effect of these initiatives is bolstered by the UK Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund, which has awarded a total of £7.7 million across 30 consortia projects that focus on digital and decarbonization schemes. This funding underscores the government’s proactive approach to accelerating the adoption of green technologies in the maritime sector, which is essential for achieving broader climate goals.
As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability, the integration of advanced technologies like AI and self-learning systems into wind propulsion presents a promising pathway. These innovations not only aim to improve operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to the industry’s efforts to meet international emissions targets.
The collaboration between GT Wings, Carisbrooke Shipping, BAR Technologies, and Smart Green Shipping illustrates a concerted effort within the UK maritime sector to embrace sustainable technologies. By leveraging government support and academic partnerships, these companies are at the forefront of transforming maritime operations and paving the way for a greener future. With ongoing investments and research, the industry is poised to make significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing economic viability.
